The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes ace from Hertfordshire qualified second overall around the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit this lunchtime, with F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel snatching pole position right at the death.

However, with Hamilton lining up second on the grid and team-mate Jenson Button third, McLaren officials feel the team’s two drivers have a great platform from which to challenge for victory tomorrow (Sunday).

Hamilton was quickest in both second and third practice, and then dominated qualifying until Vettel’s final flying lap for Red Bull in the closing seconds of Q3.

In fact, had the Herts-born F1 racer repeated his time from Q2 – 1m 38.434s – he would have taken first place on the grid in the United Arab Emirates.